Languages:

'Valari words/ or Erika's mother tongue'

"Quenya/Sindarin"

"Westron/Common tongue"

"Others"

Disclaimer: LOTR and Silmarillion are properties of J.R.R. Tolkien and Tolkien Estates. None of the songs used in the story are mine too and only borrowed for entertainment purposes.

Author's Note:

Of course what's new? Lol, Another late update! But! At least I am still updating lol. Anyway, just to share a little bit, I was sick ( / ¯ ◡ ‿ ◡ ) / ¯ idk if I said it before but I have a chronic condition called fibromyalgia. But last december my mother forced me 😆 into getting a check up since I was having a weird pain in the chest that has never happened to me even when I was having a pain flare. We found out that I have an inch-big cyst and underneath it is a tumour on the left side of my chest. I had to get a surgery to remove them both ┐ ( ´ ー ｀ ) ┌ so recovering with fibromyalgia is not easy and even until now its a bit hard to move because of the sudden flare up. And yes, stupid me might be entering my workaholic arc because as soon as I felt like my stitches are not gonna move anymore, I stubbornly went back to work, overdid it and got sick again 😆 so my doctor advised (ordered) me to rest and take it easy. And yes I regretted that moment of stupidity.

I was actually motivated to continue writing but totally lost that hype again when I found out that one of my friends, who's really really close to me has passed away. It was so devastating and I actually blanked out of ideas for days. Even now when I think of her face, it makes me so sad and annoyed at myself that I was not there to take care of her, or be there at least in her final moments.

Hug your friends and family, guys. Human life is short and time is like a lit candle. Tell them you love them before that candle burns out. To Patricia, this chapter is for you. I will always love you, miss you and remember you. You fought that battle so hard and losing you didn't mean that you lost the fight. You just levelled up and entered another journey. Until we see each other again, Patty, in the presence of our Big G 🌻

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Chapter 21

Tranquil Before Tempest

'My lord! What do you mean she is missing?!' Uinen tried her best to hide the smile that is threatening to break into her beautiful countenance. Though worry also blossomed into her ¹ëalar, she cannot help but be amused by her beloved's reaction when her lord announces that his daughter, their beloved child of the sea, can not be found in Mithlond.

'Manwë, by his sight connection through Ulumiel's owl companions saw that she was journeying through the current White Downs. I believe she is with the company of the elves of Imladris and are on their way to their city.' Ulmo says with a sigh. For the first time in his existence, he understood what it feels like to have a headache.

'And why are we calm again?' Ossë blurted out. Uinen just felt the waters of the Sundering Seas rise into a giant wave.

'Milord, in which company is my princess in right now? Is she safe?' ²Salmar asked as he stopped playing the harp on his hand. His gentle voice is like a calming balm to the angry ocean waters now rampaging in the Sundering Seas.

Of course, no one missed the twitching of Ulmo's brows. 'My child is safe, she is with the company of Glorfindel, the twice born.'

Salmar's sigh created bubbles and gentle ripples in the waters. 'A great and chivalrous warrior, he is. Then we have nothing to worry about, he will guard the child of the seas with his life.'

'No, he is in fact the most dangerous of them all! The audacity of that ellon, he plans to take my daughter as his bride!' Ulmo blurted out angrily.

Ossë gasped in indignant horror and Salmar made a shocked pikachu face.

'Preposterous!' the former said agast. Uinen felt a wave start to create a whirlpool somewhere in the oceans. That one was not created by her husband and came from their lordship. Something that rarely happens. 'Absolutely unthinkable! How dare that Ñoldor covet the child of an Aratar!'

'But, milord! Her highness is too young to wed, can we do something about it?' says Thalassëa, wife to Salmar. Her voice has a taint of worry and her delicate white brows creases, sharpening the glow of her bright aquamarine eyes. Thalassëa is most loyal to her Lord Ulmo and serves as the general of his army, leading the numbers of maiar and sentient beings who dwells on the ocean deep. So it is only natural for her to extend that loyalty to the child of her lord, the only Valarindi that has ever existed in all Ëa.

To her question, Ulmo gave a sigh that echoed gently into the water surrounding them.

'The two apparently are mutually in love.' The king of the seas said with a voice tainted with frustration.

'Then we shall call Námo and have her ëalar be cleansed!'

'Are you proposing an exorcism?' Thalassëa says in confusion.

'You cannot exorcise love, my beloved.'

'But my love, the little kelp is too young to be mated.'

'We fell in love at first sight at our first song of creation.'

'That is a different story.'

'You were so sweet.'

'Stop it.'

Salmar chuckles as Uinen continues to tease her husband who is starting to look very much embarrassed.

'As much as I wish for her happiness, Ulumiel cannot interfere with the fate of Arda. Once I reveal myself to her, I will explain the truth of her creation.' Ulmo made a small smile and it was felt in all forms of living waters. 'For I can feel through our bond that she is a formidable child. Someone you cannot underestimate just by merely seeing her once.'

'You mean stubborn like you?' Ossë said with a deadpan expression.

Ulmo chuckles out of fondness. That might be the bottomline of what he truly means for he can sense to her a willful spirit that might even surpass him. There is a reason why the Atar gave her to him and he cannot wait but to discover what it is. He is now much more excited to meet his daughter.

In his hand Ulmo formed a magic, humming a melody of creation. From a small light it created a matter, and little by little it took the form of a crown. It is not something that can rival the perfection of Aulë's work for Ulmo was never someone who can tinker and create beautiful things with his physical hands. But in his eyes, it was beautiful nonetheless as it took forms of beautiful pearls, some turritella seashells arranged neatly in order to make it look like a proper crown and bright coloured deep sea crystals reflecting aquamarine waters and coral reefs underneath blue skies, precious sea gems that even Aulë himself has never seen before or ever crafted.

Seeing as he was done at what he was doing, Ossë, took the crown from him and resized it, grumbling 'This is too big for the little kelp's head.' which Ulmo found amusing.

Ossë might be always angry and cranky, throwing big waves here and there but he was nonetheless one of the Ainu who Ulmo sees as a brother. After his almost corruption, he became much deeply loyal and loathes the spawns of Melkor. This new life that became a part of their brethren roused new instincts to him.

Osse then tinkered the crown himself by adding more things that can make it pretty. Soon in his hands are the crown similar to what Ulmo has in his physical form, a sign of noble status and power. A crown that is next only in power to the Vala who ruled the deep. Though, right now, the said crown only looks like some raw materials glued together in chaos.

'Aulë will cry at the sight of this thing, my lord. It will be a good idea to just bring it to him.'

'A rather brilliant idea. Go forth and do it.'

'Wait, what? Why me? You know I am not fond of the surface in Aman. Can Salmar do it?'

'If you will whine about my craftsmanship then do something about it.'

'My lord, why the sudden pettiness? And Salmar is not labouring at something at the moment?'

'I am busy with the songs of the sea.'

'It can wait!'

'Not for those who seeks peace and comfort in—'

'Sweet Tulkas, fine.' Ossë threw both of his hands up in resignation.Those coral crabs and red crustaceans will be crawling all over the place again if Salmar disappears for a long time and Ossë hates it when they bully the other marine life. Those pesky small octopus and cuttlefish will end up crying and clinging to his wife again.

Ossë headed to Aman with the crown in his hand. He needs to fix this thing soon. Ulumiel will be home one day, and it is a day not only the kingdom of the seas will celebrate but the whole of Aman and Arda.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

I woke up with a jolt. My eyes continuously blinks until the sight in front of me became clear. And thankfully it's still the same ceiling that I was staring at last night until I fell asleep. And though I was comforted at the familiar sight, my heart kept pounding in horror and shock.

You know what was good about having normal nightmares? It's the fact that you will remember only bits of it until you totally forget about it as soon as you open your eyes.

And you realise it was all just a dream. Brush it off your mind and forget about it. Go on with your day to day life.

But not this one.

And unlike the first time, the dream is particularly vivid. I can remember the dank smell of those dark caves as if I was really there. The burnt smell of flesh lingers with the ironic smell of blood and perhaps fear.

I can clearly remember the sound of people suffering, crying and screaming from pain perhaps inflicted by someone while a gentle voice tries to drown it by singing a gentle lullaby. There was also the sound of a child's muffled crying.

I remember seeing a child clinging to his mother tightly, his small hands were gripping her dirty clothes in fear. It was as if I am standing just right behind them in reality but at the same time I was not. They were hurt and in pain as well.

And I remember the tall man's voice telling me, Mt. Gundabad. In its lowest peak facing the falls and the wide, deep rivers of the valley of Hithaeglir. And soon I saw a small and old dirt road leading to the caves that was covered with sharp and pointy rocks.

When I saw that, I felt like something pulled my whole body back and literally fell back to reality.

"Aah!" I let out a cry of mixed emotions, first of all from shock and then from horror and relief. I sat up and heaved.

"Erika." Glorfindel was awake instantly and probably saw my eyes widened in alarm.

Reality sinked into me when I saw his face and felt his warm hand on my body. Why can't that be a regular dream so I can instantly forget about the sight of people in pain and torture?

My ear was ringing and I couldn't hear what he was telling me. But I can see him talking.

He then took my trembling hands and blew a warm breath in them. "Melmenya, calm down." He said in his language. Finally a sound that I can properly hear. "I'm here."

When my body started to relax, I instantly wrapped my arms around his body. He's so warm and comforting and the fear I felt melted like ice underneath the sun. I felt his strong arms around my body, embracing me back and in the process pulling me back down to the bed.

"Gundabad." I whispered. My voice shook as a pained scream suddenly played into my ear.

Glorfindel slightly moved away from me and looked me in the eyes, his brows were furrowed and surprised. I knew his sharp hearing caught what I said, I did not wait for him to ask as unvoiced questions were already written at his handsome countenance.

"There was a cave on the lowest peak of Mt. Gundabad. The man with long silver hair said it was the lowest peak facing the deep rivers. Remember the location of the orcs that Lord Feredir showed you?" Glorfindel nodded as he listened. "It was the same man who guided me on that dream and told me the names of the places that I saw."

"Silver hair…"

"He was beautiful. And he was tall and had an ethereal glow around his body."

"His name is Irmo. Irmo Lórien." I saw the astonishment in his face. "My beloved, it was a vala who is guiding you."

"Wait, h-how did you know? I mean there could be thousands of people here with hair like that. The Sindar and the Teleri have silver hair too."

"But there is only one who could walk on the Path of Dreams and guide people who can visit it." He looked at me fondly before planting a kiss on my forehead. "Only once did the Valar favour an individual and the Lord of Dreams and Visions possibly saw your kind heart and guided you thoroughly through it. He does not directly involve himself in these matters unless it is a matter of utter importance."

I don't think that's the case considering he said more things and even knew that I am not from this world.

I was shocked that somebody knew who I was. Here I am, I don't even know how I will tell Glorfindel about it. He's a wise person and has lived hundreds of lives of men, I know he will believe whatever I say but I didn't know it was that hard to come clean and finally tell the truth.

"Glorfindel, I saw them there at the cave. The queen and her son are alive and there are others more that are imprisoned and being tortured by these beings. There is just so much pain and suffering and death in that place, I have to help them. We have to help them." I said as if pleading. I felt crying because I can still remember the voices of the ones who were being tortured, the child crying in the middle of everything and the elleth who was singing.

The ellon nodded and looked me in the eyes. He then lowered his face to mine and kissed me. It was deep but short. Nonetheless, it still can make my knees wobble. If I was standing I would've fallen on the floor already.

Then he smiled and stood up from the bed.

"W-what was that for?"

"Because I love you. Why? Can't I kiss a beloved of mine?" he said with a teasing grin. He went straight to our bags and opened his satchel. From there he took the maps that were neatly folded together before coming back to the bed.

He took out one particular map that says Third Age - Map of Ered Mithrin and west of Angmar. I instantly saw a mountain with three peaks named Mt. Gundabad.

I had chills running down my whole body when I saw the detailed drawings of it and the river next to it sitting in a steep valley, realising that my dream was indeed a vision.

I pointed to the mountain's feet almost connected at the wide river banks.

"There is an old path at this side, assuming it is not often visited by people, it is not a very noticeable path. But this leads straight to the caves unlike the other side of the mountains where there are a lot of sharp and big rocks. Horses won't be able to climb there as well. The problem on this path is the fact that it is far away from any escape routes as it was at the base of the mountain and the river."

Glorfindel nodded. "Then we need to divide our army in two. One should be the ones climbing the mountains and the rest is to wait and secure our retreat. We need scouts as well to watch for possible ambuscades coming from rivers Langwell and Greylin." He said with a serious expression. "I thank thee for your blessed insight, my beloved. I shall relay this to the company and eventually to our army. It would save us a lot of time searching from place to place."

"D-don't mind it. I'm just glad I could help." At last I felt myself sigh in relief. "Hey, at least on this journey, I'm not just some excess baggage." I joked with a shrug as he placed the maps back to his satchel.

"If ever you were, then you are my excess baggage."

I grinned. "Ooh, smooth and possessive. I like it." Glorfindel laid himself next to me again and held me in his arms. "We're gonna save them… right?"

"We will save them."

I nodded. Finally finding peace after that horrifying vision. But on the other hand, it felt bittersweet. I'm already terrified at just having the vision, what more of the people in that situation.

Unlike those heroes and heroines in many fictional stories that can muster bravery and courage and adapt quickly in dire situations fighting evil with swords. I'm but a simpleton who runs away at the sight of a flying cockroach. A twenty-first century millennial who's worst experience is being robbed on the street and some natural disasters.

"I wish I can be as brave and as strong as you fighting those evil."

Glorfindel smiled. "Now do not do that to yourself, meleth. There are many forms of bravery and it is not only measured by wielding a sword. One might be brave enough to wield a sword but not courageful enough to extend a hand to those who cannot be saved by one. A person's strength cannot be measured by just how far your sword can reach or your arrows to fly. There can be strength but lack courage. One can keep fighting even when strength wanes because we have the courage to go on. To brandish your sword one more time, to step one more time forward, to run until you are out of breath." Glorfindel lifted his hand towards my face and caressed my cheek with his thumb. He smiled even more brightly when I planted a kiss on his palm. "I have met hundreds of warriors in my life. Fought with our life on the line. But their braveness and strength could pale in comparison when placed next to you. Not because their will to fight the evil and darkness is not courageful enough nor am I saying this to patronise you, my beloved. You have these awful visions and the first thing you have thought about is to help. I've never met a kinder heart than yours, even forgiving and loving those who wronged you. Your courage to stand for what you think is right and your will to keep going even on a land that is not your home and is unfamiliar to you. If that is not strength then I do not know what strength is anymore."

I was silent for a while. Processing all he spoke about in my head and smiled bitterly. "I'm not as good as you think I am. There are things that I keep from you."

"Perhaps. But only time can tell." he smiled meaningfully and gently flicked my nose with his forefinger.

I shook my head. "I don't know what I did to deserve you."

"That is my line." I laughed. We're like fans of each other, it's so cheesy. "We have hours before the sun rises, meleth. And we do not know when the landfall of this storm will be. Rest and sleep."

The following dawn was a mystery for everyone who was expecting a really bad rain to happen. Yesterday before we checked into this inn, there were few raindrops already falling into our faces. To be honest, I was even afraid that it would suddenly fall down and drench me. I am not ready to be seen as a mermaid by everyone. Especially not by this lover of mine.

It was dark and windy when we reached this village called ³Bree and at that time you could even smell the rain in the rushing air after every rumble of a thunder.

So Glorfindel and I were baffled to see the sun shining very brightly in the sky with only a few clouds floating and a gentle breeze.

"Elbereth…"

"Wow. Thank God for the wonders of his creation indeed. Did we even have rain last night?" I said as we stood together next to the window gawking at the bright blue sky.

"I think not. As sharp as it is, there is not even a short gust of rain or even squall that passed my hearing."

It certainly is surprising but hey, it's a good thing right? We don't have to be stuck here for a day or more.

I inhaled and exhaled out loud and turned around. I reached for my own bag and headed to the bathroom. "Well, I guess it's time to move, handsome. We still have a long way to go and a lot of people to save."

I don't know but seeing the sun like this makes me feel energetic. As if nature itself is one with our goal to reach Rivendell as soon as we can.

Of course I know that Glorfindel will not bring me to the rescue mission itself, if he does I will just be a hindrance to everyone. But just knowing the fact that I will be in the place where he is certain to return makes me feel comforted.

I brushed my teeth and changed my clothes into the only clean dress I have left in my bag, though it is not an ideal outfit to ride a steed, it is a dress made to accommodate outdoor activities. Also it is not heavy, very comfortable and made with spider silk✨. According to Glorfindel it is a resilient fabric and sufficient enough for me until we reach the elven city. I chose to wear my light footwear as I'm not really used to wearing boots. They are heavy and congesting for my asian foot that's used to flip flops and lightweight sneakers.

After helping Glorfindel with his armour, we took our bags and went down. Everyone was already waiting for us and others even managed to pass by some stalls in the city to refill our supplies. According to Glorfindel, we are only three days away from Imladris and with me getting used to our routine and fast pace, I do think we are very near already to our destination.

We headed outside and I was greeted by four owls flying straight at my face.

'Okay, okay, okay. I missed you too, guys, but no need to poke my eyes, if y'all forget, you guys have very sharp fingers!' Hedwig screamed at my ears. "Okay, sheesh, no need to scream. I love you all, but why do you friends of mine like to show affection in a violent way?"

"Gi suilon, Erika. I see you are so bright and lively this morning." Nestaron greeted with a bright smile on his smug handsome face.

"Can you do something about this bird strike first, please?" Nestaron laughed and spoke something in elvish and as if it were some magical words the owls calmed down.

Like usual, the others did not give any tasks so I just went over to the horses that's all set and ready to gallop anytime while waiting for our exodus.

While waiting for everyone, I sat where the horses were waiting. Rhosfein was the first one who came to me and bumped his nose gently on my face. One brown horse with a beautiful black mane bent and sat down, Hedwig flew at his back. There is a big rock on that spot so I sat there, accompanying these gentle beings as we waited.

I started humming some of my favourite songs while peacefully petting the horses' beautiful mane. If I had my ipod with me, I might have been playing those songs already. There are just perfect songs to play and appreciate while you are waiting or just relaxing and simply doing nothing. Everytime I hum a melody, the horses will excitedly neigh and stomp their feet.

'Oh, are you guys happy that I'm singing for you?' some of the horses neighed and stomped their feet again. "There can be miracleeees when you beliiieve… 'like that?'"

One horse snorted and then Rhosfein moved towards me and nudged me with his nose again. I chuckled at their cute and funny behaviour as if they could understand what I was saying.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Glorfindel listens as Bronwëg informs him of the news he found this morning. Bree is the main village in Bree-lands and although it is not big enough to be a town, it is established properly with its stone wall surrounding them next to their deep ditch and wide hedges. There is a watcher on the gate, rangers occasionally come in and go, warriors that keep the city safe and even scouts who watch the surrounding lands and hill boundaries.

Only this early morning before the sunrises, the scouts went back to the village to avoid the storm. One group of scouts that came from Amon Sûl brought news that makes this journey rather perilous.

They found faint tracks of orcs, wargs and even ⁴dire wolves. Something they have not seen for a long time since the battle of the last alliance. Unlike wargs, they suspect dire wolves are more sentient and completely follow only the Witch-King of Angmar. They are the complete opposite of the white wolves in terms of not only in appearance but by characteristics as well. They are feral and pursuit predators as white wolves were ambushers and were reserved if not provoked.

The scouts thought the traces were less than a week old already as some of them are already subtle and erased by nature. Though it is a week old or so, the fact that there is a presence of the enemy's forces near the village puts them on high alert.

The company has to stay vigilant in the upcoming days, they are three days away from their city.

"The skies are not as blue, when you're not with me…"

It was Bronwëg who heard it first as he assumed his lord's mind was occupied with thoughts about the news from the scouts. Lady Erika is once again singing.

"The stars, they never seem to shine as bright…"

Though she does sing to herself all the time, most of the songs are silly and nonsensical. She also sometimes sings in different languages but out of respect to his lord, nobody pries her about what it means. People just learned to allow her to amuse herself and would leave her alone. But since teaching the Sindar her songs, especially that particular one that speaks of peace, people now wait for the next thing she will sing or even casually blurt out.

"And the hours crack like days across the ages.

And a year or two pass by with every night.."

If you will ask his honest opinions, their beloved lady is not the best songstress. Not because she has an awful voice, not at all. Even Bronwëg though she possesses a decent voice that sounds lovely if only she will sing properly. But because she has this unique ability to burst into a song and make it sound bad on purpose. It amuse her to no end and even described herself as 'just being a dork'.

Bronwëg has no idea what a 'dork' is and so he politely asked. He was flabbergasted to find out she was describing herself as dumb and idiot. He has never met someone who described themselves in such a self deprecating manner while grinning like a bobcat.

"It makes me know if I should ever leave this world before you do.

When you follow, you must promise, cross your heart and promise to..

Find me.."

So when he heard her singing properly for the first time, Bronwëg felt his heart flutter in fascination. It was the same as when he heard the song about peace, it was not as melodic as elven ballads, bard's poetries or even the songs of lamentation. But emotions of how she sang it along with the actual message of the song, which was as if talking directly to its listener, flew to his sharp ears and felt in his fëa.

"Look hard, and don't stop, I'll be waiting 'till then.

Don't sleep and don't eat 'till I'm back, back in your arms again."

And yes, maybe because of their fëar that elves are more sensitive to emotions, he felt his lord's emotions washing over almost everything near him. Though the second in command knew the general was trying his very best to reign it in.

"I don't wanna have to spend all my forever without you.

Just knowing that you're out there somewhere too."

Bronwëg and possibly everyone in the company knew and understood what Glorfindel was going through. Loved by everyone but isolated by heart, with two lives living and once dying only for battles. He never really has found something he can consider as his own.

"So darling, please I'm begging you on bended knee…

Find me…"

Bronwëg at that moment saw his lord stop on his track and turned his head towards the woman. His sharp eyes witnessed as his Lord Glorfindel stood there and for the second time fell in love with the Lady Erika.

"I've tried to tell this world how much I love you.

But they don't understand how deep it goes.

And I can't even find the words to tell you.

So I'm the only one who really knows.."

Emotions were swimming in his eyes, like a blue coloured open window to his soul that made him look so open and vulnerable in the eyes of everyone who just saw him as the hero who killed a valaraukar.

Bronwëg felt sad in his heart, these two deserve better than to be thrown into this situation. They should have been enjoying their short and precious time away from all this.

"And though we have our times together, I am always wanting more.

So if we get separated won't you do just like before,

And find me.."

Glorfindel knew that Erika will never cease to surprise him, there are just things she does that makes him feel so many emotions. And he understood that oftentimes she will do something familiar like singing songs nonchalantly to amuse herself and because she missed her home. He knew how much she wanted to go home and see her family again.

But for the first time he will be honest with himself and be selfish, he will probably lose his mind and even fade if he loses her at this point. His mind is empty of what to do and he has been contemplating it since he realises his love for her.

Hearing her sing this song feels like he was hearing his own wishful thinking. Hearing the words he wished she would tell him.

"Through a hundred million faces you will see me shining through.

'Cause I'll glow when you come close, I always do."

Erika must have felt him staring. Even now it 'blows her mind', her own words, about how sharp his hearing is and so she must not have realised the chaos her song brought him as she was singing quietly. His beloved smiled at him but continued singing.

"So darling, please I'm begging you on bended knee..

We can share our love through all eternity.

'Cause with you is all I ever wanna be…

Find me…"

At that time, Glorfindel did not know this song was foreboding what he will go through in the following days.

He was just hopelessly gazing at her.

He then felt Bronwëg stepped away and continued their preparations as they were hours behind already on their journey. At that he laughed at himself inwardly and shook his head.

He turned around and took heavy steps towards his duty to fight for Arda.

For now he will do what he must and help a friend who lost his beloved queen and his son. The thought of losing Erika terrifies him already and so Glorfindel cannot even fathom how devastated Thranduil must be right now.

When all things are settled, he will have enough time to sit down and talk to Erika about his worries. For a while, she will be safe in Imladris and he knows she will earnestly wait for his return.

And he will come back.

He will come back and seek for her.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Days of relentless riding have passed by, from arable lands to marshes and foothills; the company spares no time trying to shorten the distance between them and the elven city. Glorfindel decided to bypass areas known to be dangerous and crossed the last bridge towards the River Hoarwell to enter the Trollshaws. Camping on lands from dry and cold, to damp and humid. From that point, they will cross the great road and head straight to Imladris. And from Imladris they will cross the easiest valley of the mountains separating Rhovanion and Eriador near the boundaries and head towards the remaining army that is waiting for Glorfindel's arrival.

Led by Celeborn himself, quarter of the army of Imladris along with half of the Galadhrim's forces, the elven warriors rode to aid Greenwood the Great in search for its queen and young elfling prince. While a battalion numbering four hundred awaits at the border of Imladris to wait for their general to arrive. They will change their steeds to conditioned warhorses and follow the others towards Mount Gundabad.

Glorfindel has relayed Erika's visions to his company and unlike what she has expected, everyone believed it.

From their departure to Bree village, they have never been more vigilant and careful as they are threading on lands where enemies are sighted. An ambush can happen at any time.

At that moment they stopped and took shelter in the tall trees that they had seen along the way to allow respite for their rides. Now that they are only hours away from the elven city, the only thing they carry is their light baggage and a skin of water for Erika.

Glorfindel gave his beloved the last of his dried fruits, jerky and a whole wrap of lembas. The rest were doing the same and had considered it their early dinner as they would arrive soon at the city anyway.

Nestaron came over to him and gave her some miruvor to replenish her vitality and strength.

"From here we will not stop again until we reach Imladris. And from there on you will ride with Lathron and return to Milord's manor so you need your strength, alright?" the healer said gently.

"Okay." She said with a nod and while munching on dried berries. "I will miss you."

"As I do, my dear friend. But you have to take care of yourself there. I know you are not complaining but I know you are tired."

"Nah, don't worry about me, it's not that bad. Besides, I truly did enjoy our ride. It's like I'm just travelling and sightseeing. Wherever we go there is always something to admire. In my mind, it's like we're camping and hiking for fun. Also it makes it less dreadful if I set my mind that way, not gonna lie. Mindset ba, mindset." The woman then looked over to the general who was at that time looking at the horizon. "Glorfindel?"

"Hm?"

"You didn't forget about the promise to teach me how to ride a horse, right?"

"Of course, melmenya."

"I still do not think that is a wise idea." Aeglos commented again.

"We can race and show you how I beat your ass."

"Maybe practise first how to not fall on your behind when you ride a pony." Nestaron said as he chuckled.

She smiled smugly while feeding bits of meat to the owls. "A pony? Psshh… Nestaron, I love horses but I don't need a small one. I need tall ones. Huge. Menacing. Something that will strike fear in the hearts of people when they see it."

"Are you looking for a horse or a dragon?"

"Dragons are not real… right?"

"They do." Bronwëg pitched in.

"Wait, what?"

"Dragons do exist."

"They are huge. Menacing. And not to mention, not pleasing to look at." Glorfindel said, still with eyes locked into their surroundings.

"And those foul beings were one of those who attacked our great city, Gondolin." Aeglos also pitched in.

Erika paused with an amusing, complicated expression pasted in her countenance. "Okay, so they're assholes. Noted."

"But we digress." says Nestaron.

"No we didn't."

"We can teach you many things aside from the ones that will possibly put you in the Halls of Healings again. But of course, Lord Elrond is the best healer in Imladris so you will be in great hands." The healer jested and with a wide grin.

"Or maybe we can just teach you how to play elven harps. My Lord Glorfindel is also a gifted musician. Well versed in many forms of musical instruments."

"Aeglos I want a horse first!" Erika laughed as Nestaron sighed loudly.

The bickering continued until Glorfindel ordered them to move. Erika noticed the worry in his eyes that he was trying to hide from her ever since this morning and she knew the company knew it as well.

They were fully galloping. So fast that Glorfindel told Erika not to speak to avoid biting her tongue off.

At first she did not pry and allowed him to do what he is best at. She knew there are things Glorfindel can do that none of the rest of the company could do.

So when things started to go downward south, she understood what those expressions of him meant.

Dread.

As they rode faster than ever and past the end of the woods, ten white wolves, the biggest that Glorfindel had seen including the familiar leader of the pack, appeared right behind them running at their fastest. The owls were flying above them in frenzy, and with Hedwig and Apollo screaming loudly.

All ellyn knew that owls only scream when they sense an imminent danger or a presence of a predator.

The dread was out of Glorfindel's eyes and was replaced by something Erika had never seen before and she could feel his brimming power on her very skin.

The shift of his behaviour, the chaos currently happening around them and the haste of their flight made Erika realise something.

They're in danger.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"How many do you think, my lord?"

"Thousands." At that one word Bronwëg's expression hardened even more. "Include as well the sounds of beings running with such sickening familiarity."

"Wargs?"

Glorfindel did not answer but that was enough for everyone to confirm that we are under attack. I tried to look around me despite the rushing winds slapping my face but maybe because I don't possess their hearing and sight, I didn't see anything.

But that was at first.

At that time no one was talking and focused on making the horses run faster.

I can already see the poor Rhosfein starting to heave tired breaths for carrying two adults behind his back but he still kept going as if he knew exactly what was going on. The elves were gentle and kind towards animals. Even for consumption, they will prefer to eat vegetables as long as they can grow them. They hunt only when it is needed. And even then they respect their games. Glorfindel also never tires our horses, they are well fed, hydrated and rested as much as possible, they treat the animals and even the trees kindly like how they will respect a person.

But right now they are being pushed to their limits. Half an hour later we have not slowed down nor stopped at all.

We now passed the wide woods and galloping on plains. Even with my normie eyesight I could see and maybe even feel a wide body of water and not far from it is the mountain and flourishing at its foot were various kinds of trees with picturesque colours mixed together to make such a living art.

You know the feeling when you look at one new place thinking, oh this is gonna be easy to reach by car but thirty minutes later you're just about to barely reach it?

It is that case right now. And I'm guessing beyond that ford and woods lies the elven city. We just have to reach there and we will be safe.

"Fly! Gallop towards the ford!" Glorfindel's enchanted loud order rang through the ears of everyone and as if automatic, the horses bolted and sped away.

As we moved from our spot, a loud roar akin to a wolf's howl broke through the horizon and coming from the end of Trollshaws' sus looking forest hundred of ugly, black and grey humanoids bursted out and immediately chased us.

Not far away from the plains there were black wolves running along with another bigger and uglier type of wolf.

"Orcs and wargs!"

Chills ran down not only to my spine but my whole being. The ugly humanoids look really nasty, slimy, and utterly horrible. Their appearance is seriously nightmare inducing not to mention they are making noises that would make even the most calm man either annoyed, scared or angry.

They are not too far away from us and the big ugly wolf is fast and slowly gaining distance.

"Gundabad wargs." Glorfindel whispered with a hiss in his voice. "Hya!" The general urged Rhosfein to run faster and as if not carrying two people behind his back, the stallion ran faster than ever.

One warg, who was bigger than the rest was about to pounce Nestaron who happens to be the closest one when Hedwig flew down and bulleted at the orc who was riding upon it.

"No!" I screamed horrified as I saw the sweet and lovely great grey owl fall down to the ground together with the orc. And since the orc has the warg's reign on its hand, the warg doubled back forcefully thanks to the momentum of his running. One of the white wolves pounced on the warg and bit it on the neck followed by another one who bit at the same place before thrashing it down.

Chaos followed as dire wolves and white wolves attacked one another. While still speeding up, Lathron moved closer to Glorfindel's left as if he was planning to cover us with his body. Same goes with Thúrtogor and Elgalad who were behind us. Nestaron took his bow from his back and immediately fired arrows when some of the orcs on the wargs back started shooting at us. Nestaron was not only an excellent healer but also a skilled archer.

Nestaron told me that he was Glorfindel's main archer in their company before their Lord Elrond took him as a student in the Healing Halls. But never have I seen him nor any of them be in a battle at all.

So when he fired arrows continuously and did not miss a single one, I was really really amazed. Like… shit. Especially at their distance and while sitting at the top of a speeding horse.

Still my eyes searched for Hedwig and boy I have never been so happy to see him moving at the ground amidst all this chaos.

'Get up! Get up, Hedwig! Come on!' I scream, urging as if he can hear me. And though his small form is slowly getting smaller in my sight as we move, I almost cried in relief when I saw him fly away, albeit a little wobbly at first.

Tears rolled down from my eyes when I saw him get away with a small snowy owl following him as if making sure he was okay.

I felt Glorfindel move his body closer to mine, he can't exactly hug me in this situation but that wordless gesture was like him reassuring me that things are gonna be alright.

That is until an arrow hit one of our companion's horse on the hind leg.

Aeglos managed to jump down when his horse tumbled to the ground with a pained cry. Gone was his usual jest and playfulness and replaced by a fierce and somewhat angry expression.

He then took out his sword just in time to defend himself from a black wolf's jaw.

My eyes widened when he was finally reached by the orcs and that's when Glorfindel stopped our escape. He took out his own bow and arrow and I ducked to get out of his way when he fired at the enemies surrounding Aeglos.

"We are surrounded, milord, there are just too many of them." Bronwëg said as another one of their horses, the steed of Naergon was downed. This time my heart bled to see that sweet stallion dead as an arrow hit him right on his head. The young ellon's face was a picture of anger and grieve as his companion fell down to the ground.

I feel so pathetic that I can't even help them. They might not be humans but they are living, breathing and kind beings. I remember just recently I was feeding these horses with apples that Glorfindel took from nearby trees.

Glorfindel nodded and climbed down from Rhosfein before helping me down as well.

"While Rhosfein might be an excellent, battle hardened steed, he is already weary from the days of carrying us both." Glorfindel said as he placed me down to the ground. "Nestaron."

The healer stirred his ride towards us and to my surprise he placed his hands on both side of my waist as if he's gonna lift me up again, only I stopped him

"W-wait, wait what do you mean?!"

"You have to go and reach Rivendell's safety." as those words left his lips, I felt my whole body stiffen. "Daereth is the fastest of our steed, he will bring you to Rivendell safely and Nestaron will keep you safe."

"Climb up now, my lady." Bronwëg urges as he pulls his sword out of its sheath. At the same time Nestaron moved slightly from his seat to make room for me.

I shook my head as if that protest alone would change his decision. "N-no. No way. I'm not gonna leave you!"

"I will not have you amidst this battle, meleth. It is beyond dangerous."

Even though he did not voice it, I knew for a fact that my presence here was a hindrance. It is hard to fight and protect someone at the same time while you are being surrounded by danger. "I can't lose you…" and that was the only thing I could say helplessly. Terrified of what could happen not only to him but to our friends.

"And I you." his hardened expression cracked and I know deep inside we are facing the same dilemma. I know he was also terrified. Glorfindel took me in his arms to a tight embrace and I could feel the loud drumming of his heart.

Naergon, Vanarwë and Idhrahan, three ellyn who were very kind and friendly to me, advanced and met the upcoming first wave of the orcs that was about to reach us. I wanted to scream and make all this pandemonium stop. But those three ellyn whom I built friendship with these past days that we were out and riding in the wild, still met the swords of the enemy. Fierce, strong and desperate. There are only eleven of them against these creatures and their big allies, if they don't give their all in this fight then we are all gonna fucking die.

As much as I hated it, Glorfindel was right. I have to go. I will be a hindrance to them.

Also, if we manage to reach Imladris soon then we can call for reinforcements. I remember Glorfindel telling me that an army awaits them at the border, there is presumably less than thirty minutes worth of riding before we reach the elven city.

We might be able to save everyone.

I felt Glorfindel kiss the temple of my head.

"I want nothing more than to keep you safe, melmenya. Forgive me for dragging you into this harm." I could feel anguish in his voice but no, he should not say that.

"None of this is your fault so don't ever say that again. Promise me you'll come and find me in Imladris."

"I promise."

I pushed myself away from him and gave him a small smile. He then lifted me up to the stallion's back and Nestaron was there to help me settle. He smiled bitterly but said nothing.

"I love you…" I whispered. And I know even as it was almost drowned by the sound of the chaos around us, he heard me.

He has never failed to hear me.

My tears fell down from my eyes from sheer fear. God, I know you are listening too. Please allow them to survive through all this.

"Go! Ride now!" Glorfindel shouted right as the battle reached him.

Nestaron prompted the steed to run in its fastest, manoeuvring Daereth to avoid the flying arrows that were being shot on our way. But even as we were speeding away, my eyes never left the sight of my friends in battle. Some were already on the ground fighting fiercely with swords, arrows and even spears.

Glorfindel was destructive. He was not just defending himself from the enemy's attacks but he was utterly destroying them. Every swing of his sword there is an orc being beheaded or losing its limbs. His sword was glowing with light that the orcs hated but that's not all, as if it is an aura being manifested, it also amplifies the force of his attacks.

They might have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of the orcs but I realised it is a matter of quality over quantity. Now I don't know shit about being a warrior, but I know as long as they are careful, they can somehow survive this until the reinforcements arrive.

I was so hopeful that we could survive this. And that is until I heard Nestaron grunted painfully and slowly slouched at my back. By instinct, I pushed my body upright to keep us balanced.

To my surprise, I felt hot liquid seeping at the back of my white dress and some in my left shoulder.

I turned my body as much as I could to see what was happening and to my horror, my eyes met an arrow's tip embedded into Nestaron's left chest. The arrow pierced through his body from the back and as I looked up at his face, a loud gasped escape from me when I saw his mouth overflowing with blood dripping down to my shoulder.

"No, Nestaron…"

Nestaron opens his mouth to gasp for air and is grimacing from pain. I put my hands to his injuries seeing he was bleeding non stop.

"W-we have to do something. A-apply pressure–"

"No…" the brunet shook his head as he felt his body start to feel numb. He then slowly placed his hand upon my head and tossed my hair weakly. "Keep running." That was what he said as his body helplessly fell down from Daereth.

"No!" I screamed. I wanted to stop the horse and go back to him but I have no fucking idea how to. Daereth must have sensed his master falling because his running has slowed and that's when I managed to look back at Nestaron again.

He was slumped face down to the ground. Maybe there is no end to this horror that I am experiencing because I found not one but two arrows embedded at his back, though the other one is a shallow shot just at his lower right shoulder unlike the one on his chest. Unlike everyone, Nestaron is not wearing steel plated armour. Elves are already blessed with amazing physical traits everyone knows they can move gracefully, fast and precisely. So they wear steel plated armors that are designed for them just to add something for their defence. Those armours are lightweight but resilient. In Nestaron's case, he was wearing a light armour made with leather and plates that is not as strong as the rest of the company. His armour has vests that contain all his healing medicines, potions, and tonics. Not only was he the company's main healer but also the main archer that can defend the group on long distances. Wearing the steel armour will be a hindrance for him if ever he will climb through trees and other elevated places.

Unfortunately because of my existence, he was unable to man his position and was tasked to get me out of here. This time I started blaming myself and my misfortunes.

"Ne-nestaron… Nestaron!"

I was trying to figure out how to get down from the tall steed when one giant ugly warg came rushing over to him, it was the same warg that Hedwig had downed with his bird attack. He was slowly smelling the ellon's body as if he wanted to eat him.

I looked back at the battle that was happening not too far away from us and even though my eyes might not be as sharp as an elf, I could actually see Glorfindel looking back at us with wide, horrified eyes.

At this point I can just speed away and run away to safety. But I can't just leave Nestaron here to die.

I will not leave Nestaron to die.

Another warg came over and the orc above it said something to his ride, his language sounds so revolting to my ears and I don't even know why. To my surprise, the big warg did not kill him but opened his mouth and took the Nestaron by his leg before it started to drag him away.

Two more wargs and riders were coming towards us from a distance and even started fighting each other as they reached the ellon's prone, unconscious body.

"Fucker… HEY! Hey, leave him alone! I'm over here!"

Before I knew it, I screamed and took their attention towards me as soon as I saw Glorfindel running on his feet. Where is Rhosfein?! I hurriedly looked around again at the battle and saw the horse down on the ground.

My heart bled once more. If only I could fight too then I could at least defend my friends and prevent them from dying one by one.

Maybe the wargs' brain capacity is not as good as the white wolves because upon my agro, their interest switched to me and basically forgot about Nestaron who plopped down to the ground after the warg let go of his leg.

Then I guess I will use this as an opportunity to make them get away from him.

Glorfindel from the distance who was still running towards us was hindered by enemies attacking him from left to right, and though he was skillful enough, it was just too overwhelming.

I have no other choice.

"Come on, bitches." Thankfully Daereth listened to me when I prompted him to run. As unbalanced as I am riding at his back, I think I'm doing good at just holding down with my arms wrapped around his graceful neck.

The rush of the wind passed on my face and I tried to keep my eyes open to see what was happening.

That's when I saw two little dots floating in the air, at first I could not see it clearly because of the rush of the wind and maybe because my heart was pounding so loud I could practically hear it in my ear. But then I realised those are two eagle owls flying and screaming towards us. Those were Apollo and Artemis. My two sweet owl friends. And from far away I could see a big mass moving on the ground and stirring dust in the air.

Reinforcement.

Elves! I was amazed, how did these two birds manage to call the attention of the army waiting at the border of Rivendell?

Relief started to flood my heart. There is hope for Nestaron and everyone to be saved. I looked back behind me and passed the wargs that were about to attack and pounce on me. I saw Nestaron there, still lying on the ground.

And then there is my beloved still running towards us. He was about to reach Nestaron but because I am still on a speeding horse, our distance becomes farther and farther away. Then there is the company still battling the army of orcs.

I felt tears streams endlessly at my face.

It's okay.

They are gonna be saved. It's okay.

I closed my eyes as soon as I saw two wolves jump and crash into us. I felt like I was hit by a truck and I fell down and crashed far from Daereth's back.

It hurts, everything is painful and my head feels both heavy and light at the same time, if that is even possible, after I hit it on something hard on the ground. There is a loud ring on my ears like the feedback of a microphone on a karaoke machine.

The last thing I remember seeing was the image of two owls flying towards us before everything becomes black.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

When Gondolin was falling from the fires of Morgoth's drakes, Glorfindel was still clinging to his hope and courage with an iron will. He fought even as it cost him his life. It would be a stupid thing to say that he never felt fear from all the unknown things that were happening or would happen because he knew that his valour and his sacrifice would not be in vain.

The fear he had in his heart before would simply be toppled by their courage and unity. To fight for their passionate cause in saving their world from the darkness of the enemy.

With his very own eyes he witnessed as Erika fell from the back of Daereth and crashed hard down into the ground.

At that point he never knew this new kind of fear that could cripple him down. His legs that were running halted at its pace as if time itself as well had stopped.

He was not in physical pain but he was starting to lose his breath and suddenly remember how he saw the love of his life for the first time.

Only this time the one standing next to her were huge Gundabad wargs and not the white wolves. For the first time he experienced such fear and helplessness. He then started running again, hoping to gain more distance from the enemies and just enough to fire his bows or even throw a dagger or his sword.

And as if that was not enough, he saw one warg took her small body into its mouth and lifted her up to the biggest warg's back.

"No.." he whispered. "No!"

Then the said wargs started bolting away taking the unconscious woman with them.

"Meleth… Erika!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Author's notes:

¹Ëalar - is a Quenian word which refers to such spirits who did not require a body in order to be complete. Eälar are contrasted with fëar, which are the souls of beings whose natural state is to be incarnated in a body.

²Salmar - was a Maia who entered Arda with Ulmo. He was the maker of the Ulumúri, the great horns of Ulmo which produce the music of the sea. His wife here Thallassëa is my OC

³Bree - is a city that has already been established by men even during the Elder Days (possibly mid Second Age / beginning of Third Age.) People of Bree were Pre-Númenóreans that had migrated from the valleys of the White Mountains to the southern valleys of the Misty Mountains and then north as far as the Barrow Downs. Although few of them survived the turmoils of the Elder Days, they continued to settle in Bree when the Númenóreans returned to Middle-earth.

(More info at /wiki/Bree)

⁴Dire wolves - as explained, they belong to the evil wolf breeds. But they are NOT canon and exist only in video games.

Disclaimer:

Find Me - is a song by the amazing David Gates. I don't own it and just used it for entertainment purposes only.